Answering Your Frequently Asked Questions About Spinal Decompression

27 February 2017
 Categories: Health & Medical , Blog

Share

Back pain can be devastating, influencing your life in a number of ways. For this reason, many people take comfort in spinal decompression. This process can provide some help with common spinal issues. This guide will help answer some of the most common questions associated with spinal decompression. Of course, there is no substitute for asking your doctor about concerns specific to your treatment plan.

Is Spinal Decompression a Surgical Procedure?

Not always. Spinal decompression can be nonsurgical. It works by stretching out the spine, changing its position. This helps to relieve pressure from the spinal disks and nerves as a result. Of course, many patients do go on to consider surgery rather than nonsurgical decompression.

What Can Spinal Decompression Treat?

There are a number of issues that spinal decompression can treat, including back and neck pain. It can ease the pain of a herniated disk, especially when it comes with degenerative disk disease. Spinal decompression eliminates worn spinal joints and injured nerve roots as well.

What Are Alternatives to Spinal Decompression?

Alternatives to spinal decompression and surgical procedures are plentiful, but they may not work for everybody. These include nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications, regular exercise, and even steroid injections. Physical therapy is also an option. Some people swear by chiropractic and acupuncture treatments as well.

What Occurs During Spinal Decompression?

In most spinal decompression sessions, you are fitted with two harnesses on a table. The doctor will make changes to the harness to move your pelvis and trunk independently of each other. This lasts less than an hour, and you may require regular treatments over the course of several weeks.

Who Is a Good Candidate for Spinal Decompression?

It is important to discuss your candidacy for spinal decompression with your doctor. Those who are not good candidates include women who are pregnant and those who have experienced tumors, fractures, aneurysms, and osteoporosis. Those with metal implants may not be candidates either.

What Are Risks Associated with Spinal Decompression?

As with any medical procedure, there are always risks with spinal decompression. In some cases, the procedure may not actually relieve any of the pain. Your best bet is to discuss potential risk factors with your doctor before the procedure.

Spinal decompression eases pain for many patients each year. Are you considering the treatment to ease your back, neck, or shoulder pain? It is a good idea to talk to your doctor about the opportunity to try spinal decompression to treat your pain. To find out more, speak with someone like Hiler Chiropractic and Vax-D Decompression Center.